2023 Citroen Relay 35L2H2 Eprise ED Bhdi SS 2.2L Diesel · PF23 LCE

A single recorded MOT entry on 28 May 2026 shows the 2023 Citroen Relay passing with one advisory noting an oil leak above the gearbox that was not deemed excessive under reference 8.4.1 (a) (i). The location is significant: oil weeping from above the bellhousing area on these HDi platforms frequently originates from the rear crankshaft seal, the gearbox input seal, or a combination of both, and what DVSA class as not excessive can accelerate quickly once the seal lip hardens with heat cycling. There is no multi-year trend to evaluate on the strength of one test, so any broader pattern of chronic failure or improving roadworthiness cannot yet be established from the data, but the gearbox area oil weep is the defining mechanical observation in this record and should be treated as the primary live issue. Recorded mileage stands at 61,714 miles on a three-year-old commercial vehicle, which equates to an annualised accumulation of around 20,571 miles. That figure is consistent with steady commercial or fleet deployment rather than private use, and for a Relay of this size the diesel drivetrain, clutch, dual-mass flywheel, braking components and suspension will all have been worked proportionally hard. Higher mileage on commercial vehicles typically translates into accelerated wear on clutches, turbo actuator components, injectors, EGR valves and DPF substrates, as well as more frequent replacement cycles for brake discs, pads, tyres and suspension bushes. The high annual rate also raises the probability that any oil leak noted on the MOT will progress faster than it would on a lower-mileage vehicle, given the greater thermal cycling and load placed on the seals. On inspection, particular attention should be directed to the underside of the engine and bellhousing. Look for fresh oil residue running down the back of the engine block and pooling on the gearbox housing, then trace it upwards to determine whether it is originating from the crankshaft side or the gearbox input. Check the oil level on the dipstick and any evidence of top-up between services, as a persistent weep can pull the level down over longer intervals. On the test drive, listen for any whining or bearing rumble from the gearbox that might suggest the leak has been long-standing enough to compromise lubrication, and feel for clutch slip under load in higher gears, which on these HDi Relays often accompanies a failing rear crank seal where oil contamination is reaching the clutch friction plate. Beyond the flagged oil leak, the rest of the braking and suspension inspection points normally associated with a high-mileage commercial Relay should be prioritised. Check the brake discs for lipping and hot-spots, the calipers for sticking sliders, and the rear drums or rotors for any scoring. Inspect the front wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links and the rear leaf spring bushes for play, as commercial payloads accelerate wear in these areas. Confirm the DPF has no warning lights illuminated, that the turbo spools cleanly without hesitation, and that there is no excessive blue smoke on overrun which could indicate turbo seal wear compounding the oil leak issue. Finally, examine the supporting MOT documentation and service invoices to verify the oil weep has been monitored rather than allowed to worsen, and budget for a rear crank seal and clutch replacement if evidence points towards long-term seepage from that area.